A YOUNG Port Glasgow pianist has the key to success after securing a place at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Sarah Harrison of Methil Road can't wait to begin the music education course in September.

The talented Port Glasgow High School pupil, who will take the piano as her principal study, says it's a dream come true to be accepted onto the prestigious programme.

She said: "I didn't think I would get in - it was a big shock.

"I've not played piano for that long, I only started just under five years ago.

"Hopefully I'll graduate and go into music teaching in secondary schools and do that for a couple of years.

"I would also like to explore music psychology."

Her proud mum Leeanne says her daughter is so modest about her talent.

She said: "She's done amazingly well, I'm so proud of her as this is what she's always wanted.

"She keeps pushing herself and likes to be the best at everything she does but she's not one who likes to boast.

"She had us all convinced that she wasn't getting in."

To gain a place at the world renowned facility, Sarah, who also plays the violin, had to undergo a stringent selection process.

Leeanne added: "There were lots of steps.

"Sarah had to play a few piano pieces and also had to sing.

"She also had to do a theory test and interview."

Sarah says she wouldn't be where she is today without the support of her mum Leeanne and her grandparents Christopher and Janet, who built her a piano room in the back garden.

She is also keen to thank Julie Ballantyne, the principal teacher of music at Port Glasgow High, and her piano teacher Lesley Ross.